Author: Miracles Massage

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3 Reasons To Get a Post Workout Massage

Did you know that getting a massage after you have an intensely vigorous workout can actually enhance your recovery? It can. Let’s talk about why and how you can benefit from this new-found knowledge.

Muscle Power

When you exercise regularly, you put a strain on your muscles, ligaments, and tendons (particularly if you don’t stretch and drink plenty of fluids). Intense workouts cause tiny tears in your muscle fibers which cause inflammation. Ever notice how you are suddenly aware of every muscle in your body after a workout? This creates problems for those little fibers under your skin called fascia. Often, we hear people complain about their sore muscles after they push themselves to achieve desired results. While testing your personal limits is beneficial to a healthy workout routine, it needs to be done carefully to avoid serious injury.

Massage not only helps to work out the knots and kinks, but also flushes out toxins and gets the body’s blood flowing. This practice helps to restore your muscles back to their normal state and work smoothly again.

Pliability

Muscle injury is common because of our sedentary lifestyles. We spend hours sitting at a desk and staring at computers five days a week. As a result, we aren’t as limber as say a toddler who never sits still. Our muscles naturally begin to stiffen as we get older if they are not stretched regularly. After working out, our muscles constrict and when not properly addressed, this tightening can lead to injury.

Another benefit for the post workout massage is pliability. Massage is a form of stretching, which helps to elongate muscles and return them to their original range of motion. Loose muscles are less likely to strain or sprain and will help to restore flexibility.

Achieving Balance

It’s no secret that massage helps to relax and calm the body and mind. It can be a helpful tool for anyone looking to maintain a well-rounded fitness regimen. It provides the opportunity to balance the happy endorphins released from a workout and cortisol reducer (or stress relief). When paired with the right essential oils, anyone can strike a perfect balance of exercise and self care.

Timing is Everything

Be strategic about the timing of your massage appointment. Ideally, it will be the time of day when you can unwind and allow your body to relax. If you are one of those people who feel invigorated by a massage and it helps jump start your day, be careful when working out soon after a massage session. The muscles your therapist just worked hard to relax could tighten during your workout creating the opposite desired outcome.

Talk to your massage therapist about your workout, the pains or discomfort you may be experiencing and ask what treatment they recommend.

Schedule your massage appointment today!

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How Massage Aids In Grief Therapy

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Bereavement doesn’t know the time. In fact, it can intensify with each new season of the year. No one is exempt from dealing with grief. It hits us from all angles at any age or any stage of life. Grief does not look the same for everyone either.

Generally, we all go through the same stages of grief, but some of us are better at hiding it than others. People who do not allow themselves to properly grieve, and suppress their feelings may unknowingly find themselves in extreme physical and mental stress. For example, experts know that those who are grieving can experience fatigue, body aches, physical tension, loss of appetite, and bouts of sleeplessness, to name a few.

We also know that bereavement affects us in four ways:

1. mentally,
2. physically,
3. emotionally, and
4. socially.

When one of these areas is askew, there is an increased need to create harmony within the body, mind, and soul. Massage is an excellent way to aid in the healing of a hurting heart. Why? Because when stimulated by massage, the touch receptors in our bodies, will decrease cortisol and increase levels of both serotonin and dopamine, helping to balance mood, regain focus, and feel good overall.

Massage can help to:

  • Loosen tight muscles,
  • Improve overall mental state and well-being,
  • Boost energy level,
  • Provide relief from tension headaches,
  • Improve circulation and breathing, and
  • Aid poor sleep.

“When you treat the entire body, you will improve the ability to manage grief and you will be able to move through the stages of grief more effectively,” said Carrie Fuhrer, LPC, NCC, Outpatient Therapist at Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center.

Five common reasons for feelings of grief and depression include:

  • Loss of a loved one,
  • Loss of a pet,
  • Ending of a marriage,
  • Loss of a job, and/or an
  • Illness diagnosis. 

Massage is much more than just a way to relax. It has many therapeutic benefits, for anyone dealing with physical or cognitive stress. If you or someone you know is suffering from grief and would like to experience the benefits of grief therapy massage, contact us.

To ensure you receive the best care possible, talk with your massage therapist about what you are experiencing. At Miracles Massage, we customize every massage to meet our clients’ specific needs. Knowing a little about your situation will help us to know what areas of your body on which to focus, what essential oils might best soothe you, and how we can best serve your needs.

Schedule your massage today!

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When Skin Protection Fails: How to Remedy the Dreaded ‘Burn

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The Summer Buzzkill

It never fails. As diligent as many of us are, the glorious summer sun can sizzle our skin and leave behind pain and misery for a few days. Moms everywhere find themselves shouting after their children to remember their sunscreen. We talk endlessly about the importance of skin protection as we lather up wiggly bodies anxiously squirming away to perfect the best half dive/half belly-flop anyone has ever seen. However, between applications of lotion on our children and hurrying to catch a barely swimming child who insists on jumping into the deep end, we may forget to reapply our own sunscreen and get the dreaded ‘burn.

Massage or Not to Massage?

Each summer, therapists get a call that goes something like this, “Hi! I have a massage scheduled for tomorrow, but over the weekend I got kinda burnt. Should I still come in?” The answer is likely, “nope, let’s reschedule”.

As a general rule of thumb, massage and sunburns do not go well together. If your burn is localized, meaning it is only on the back of your neck, or only on your chest, your therapist can work on the other parts of your body and avoid the affected area. If, however, the majority of your body is sunburned you should reschedule your appointment for a time when your skin has healed.

But what if the sunburn doesn’t seem that bad? You know your body best, but remember that your skin is sensitive. Not only can sunburns be painful to the touch, the increased blood flow will make your already warm skin warmer, and it will likely increase your urge to itch.

Door #2

Instead of coming in for your regular appointment, you may consider asking your partner to ever-so-gently massage aloe vera or tree oil on your burn. Let these wonderful essential oils soak into your skin and begin the healing process.

Another great way to alleviate burns is to soak in an oatmeal bath. You may choose to make your own, or try an over-the-counter brand. Either way, your body will drink up this holistic self care approach to relieve the pain and itching associated with sunburns.

If baths really aren’t your thing and you aren’t confident your partner will gently apply the best essential oils for sunburn to your skin, you may opt for creating your own sunburn relief spray. It is easier than you think. Here’s a little concoction, you may wish to try.

Sunburn Relief Spray 

½ cup witch hazel or water
¼ cup coconut base oil
2 T aloe vera gel
10 drops pure lavender oil
10 drops pure peppermint oil

Combine all ingredients in your favorite spray bottle until well blended. Apply as needed.

If you find yourself with a little sunburn and would prefer to enjoy a massage when your skin is back to normal, don’t be afraid to reschedule your appointment. We want you to be comfortable, healthy, and relaxed.

Namaste!

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3 Reasons Summertime Massage Benefits Your Health

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Oh summer! How we anticipate its arrival all winter long. We look forward to the sunshine and the warm breeze on a summer evening. We daydream about relaxing on our deck with a cool beverage, taking a much-needed vacation, and enjoying the fruits of our garden. Yes, summer, we love you! However, now that you’re here you’ve caused a few problems.

As massage therapists, we see it all summer long, while summer in the mid-Atlantic is a much anticipated season, it can also take a toll on our bodies. Knowing how to properly care for ourselves reduces the risk of injury and discomfort.

Here are three reasons a summertime massage will benefit your health.

1. Massage Aids Muscle Relief After Exercise
You may not realize the extra strain you are putting on your body during summer activities. Most people don’t stretch their muscles before and after they head outside to work in their garden, push the lawn mower around, or play a quick round of kickball with their kids, and the result can cause injury.

In the summer months, we find ourselves saying yes to fun activities like swimming, cycling, and golfing. Consequently, muscles that have been ignored for 7-8 months get stretched, pulled, and even strained.

Massage can help relieve the tension in your muscles after you’ve been pulling weeds from your garden for several hours or after a quick excursion around the lake in a friend’s kayak. This regular maintenance helps muscles to stay limber and aids in avoiding spasms and sprains.

2. Massage Alleviates Swelling
The nasty part of summer we tend to overlook as we stare out the window in February when the sky looks gray and the grass is brown, is the heat and humidity that sweeps through our area in July and August. During humid months, we see a lot of swelling and discomfort in our clients’ joints. This annoyance is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the body.

Massage is proven to help increase blood flow, reduce swelling, and soothe aching muscles. As therapists hone in on problem areas, muscles elongate and fluid is pushed throughout the body alleviating swelling in joints and limbs.

3. Massage Combats Stress
Isn’t it funny how summer is supposed to be a time for rest and relaxation, yet it sometimes feels like we are in overdrive? It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, chores need to be completed, bills must be paid, deadlines have to be met, and children need to be entertained. It can be overwhelming. 

Massage is proven to help relieve stress and anxiety, and promote better sleep.

Whether you are pushing yourself to achieve your personal best running time, racing the clock to beat beach traffic, or picking up wet towels from a bedroom floor, you deserve a little time to yourself. Experience the stillness of serenity through massage. Breathe in the lovely scent of your favorite essential oil. Listen to the peaceful and soothing music playing softly in the background. Sounds wonderful, right? Yes!

Schedule your massage and allow the health benefits your body longs to have this summer wash over you. It will be the best decision you make today!

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The #1 Key Ingredient After Massage

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Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Thanks, got it.

But do you really?

Massage therapists encourage their clients to drink plenty of water after a massage to rehydrate themselves. Ever wonder why? Is it just to prevent sore muscles? Because it’s a holistic approach to physical well-being? No, and yes.

We recommend drinking water after a massage because tight muscles (a common reason people see a massage therapist) constrict circulation, blocking metabolic waste. As muscles are kneaded and relaxed, fluid is able to flow through the circulatory system, traveling to your kidneys, awaiting release. (*hint: This is why you feel the sensation to urinate after a massage.)

Water makes up about 60% of your body weight. Knowing how much fluid to drink can be tricky as it varies per person. You know your body best. However, pay attention to the warning signs your body sends when it becomes dehydrated.

Signs of dehydration include:

  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Dark colored urine

Also, make a note that while caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee do count toward your daily fluid intake, you must use caution because they are a mild diuretic. You may want to check out a health hydration guide for yourself. Also, be aware that because massage increases circulation, drinking alcohol soon after a session will have a stronger effect on your body.

Drinking water after a massage helps to flush waste products out of your body. If you don’t rehydrate yourself and the metabolic waste is not released properly, your muscles will likely stiffen and become sore.

We’ve heard a lot of people complain that they don’t drink water because it is tasteless. Boring. Bland. Well, put those thinking caps on, people. Open up your fridge and concoct a taste treat for yourself using your favorite flavors.

We’ll start you off with an easy recipe. Pinterest is loaded with suggestions for fruit-infused water combinations to help aid weight loss and immune support; you name it, it’s there awaiting your search.

Hydrate Me, Baby

Lemon, Cucumber, and Mint Infused Water
Ingredients: lemon, cucumber, a sprig of fresh mint, water

Process:
1. Slice fruit
2. Gently muddle ingredients together in the bottom of your container to release their juices
3. Add water to fill the container

That’s it! Drink up. For best results, let the water sit for a few hours so the ingredients can fully blend together.

Each session at Miracles Massage is adapted to meet your specific needs. Schedule your session today, and remember to drink lots of water this summer!

 

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7 Essential Oils to Try

Incorporating aromatherapy and corresponding essential oils into your daily life is a game changer for many people. These elements are known to speed up the healing process, boost cognitive performance, strengthen the immune system, increase circulation, and improve moods. Who wouldn’t want to experience these amazing benefits?

Aromatherapy, for many who use it, is a mix of science and art. It can be fun to blend oils together, creating combinations that work best for you. However, you must be informed before you grab random oils and start mixing to avoid negative side effects. Some of the most popular essential oils can easily be found at your local pharmacy or health food store.

Source: AdobeStock

Blending oils create synergy. For example, lavender oil on its own is wonderfully relaxing. When you add to it tangerine, bergamot, geranium, cypress, frankincense, and chamomile oils, you’ve just whipped up a soothing combination for an insomniac. Pair that together with the benefits of massage and you just may send them to sleepy town.

For regular use, it is important to know which oils may trigger allergies by paying close attention to your own body’s reaction. It is also extremely important to properly dilute the oils with a base oil, lotion, or water.

If you are brand new to aromatherapy, choosing essential oils may be overwhelming. Luckily, many brands have already paired oils together with handy labels explaining their specially designed outcome. We’ve also put together a list of seven popular reasons people turn to aromatherapy and some of the essential oils you may want to try. (Please note, the oils listed here are individual, not suggested blends.)

7 Common Reasons to Use Aromatherapy and Essential Oils to Try

  1. Relieve stress
    Oils to try: frankincense, rose, lavender, bergamot, Roman chamomile
  2. Decrease joint pain and sore muscle
    Oils to try: frankincense, geranium, ginger, peppermint, lavender
  3. Boost energy
    Oils to try: lemon, peppermint
  4. Aid congestion
    Oils to try: eucalyptus, peppermint
  5. Combat sleep problems
    Oils to try: lavender, roman chamomile
  6. Ease menstrual cramping
    Oils to try: Roman chamomile, clary sage, geranium, neroli
    *Try fennel for menstrual irregularities
  7. Reduce stomach discomfort
    Oils to try: fennel, ginger, bergamot

Anyone can benefit from aromatherapy. Our goal is to best serve the individual needs of our clients. If you are an overworked mom in need of stress relief, or a weekend warrior recovering from an injury, we will find the right essential oils for you. Contact us today to schedule your next session.

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Aromatherapy 101: What Is It and How to Use Essential Oils

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Many people are unclear on what exactly aromatherapy is and the healing powers it offers. Are you one of them? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Buckle up as we give you a quick overview of the benefits of aromatherapy and how to use essential oils.

Looking in the Rearview

Aromatherapy has been around for centuries. It was used for medicinal and religious practices among Chinese, Indian, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman people, among others. Essential oils were also used to treat American soldiers for wounds and burns during WWI. However, sometime in the 1980s aromatherapy became more widespread and popular in American society. Aromatherapy is linked with Aristotle’s belief that matter is made up of four elements: fire, earth, air, and water.

True essential oils are extracted from various parts of plants like leaves, flowers, stems, bark, seeds, and roots, and then distilled. These concentrated oils are used in a variety of ways to promote health, provide balance, and harmonize the mind, body, and spirit.

How Aromatherapy Works

Our sense of smell is powerful. It can trigger emotions and memories transporting us to another time or even reminding us of a special someone. As we inhale through our nose, we take in aromas that send messages to our nervous system and the part of our brains that control emotions. Knowing which essential oils to use, how to blend them, and how to use them properly is important so you can obtain the oil’s healing properties to the fullest.

Now that you know the history of aromatherapy and how it works, let’s chat about how to use the oils so you can stimulate the different parts of your body (physically, emotionally, and mentally) to improve your experience.

How to Use Essential Oils

  1. Mix with base oils and lotions. Once extracted, the oils are highly concentrated. You only need a few drops of essential oil to be mixed in with base oils, or an unscented lotion, before massaging into your skin. Applying the concentrated oils directly to the skin could cause skin irritation or reactions.
  2. Breathe in the oils. By adding a few drops in a diffuser or an oil warmer you can spread the scent of the oils around your home or office gently. You may also try dropping a little oil into the melted wax of an unscented candle for a similar outcome.
  3. Soak in a bath. Create a spa experience at home. Add a couple of oil drops to your bath water and be prepared to find yourself in a little oasis. When adding essential oil to your bath water, not only are you able to breathe in the fragrance, your body also absorbs the oil.

When pairing massage with aromatherapy, you can receive the therapeutic effects of the oils as well as the incredible benefits of the massage itself. It’s a magical combination that you will thank yourself for after each session.

Whether you massage your partner at home or schedule your appointment with us today, you absolutely must try it!

To learn more about essential oils, and the benefits of aromatherapy in massage, contact us!